Grow Trust - It's the ONE Thing All Great Leaders Do Really Well. It's the Definition of Leadership!

The one thing all great leaders do really well is the ability to build trust in all of their personal and professional relationships.

Why is trust so important? Because to be a successful Leader you have to be able to inspire people to take positive action.  

And, people will not take positive action based upon something you suggest, or something you tell them to do, unless they trust you.

Successful Leaders s know how to cultivate and grow trust with others, that's why Grow Trust is one one of the Five Wake Up Eager Habits.

The "Official" Wake Up Eager GROW TRUST Definition:

More About The Power of Trust...

The definition of leadership success includes promotions, close relationships, a great work product, and financial abundance.  And that good 'stuff' unfolds due to your ability to: Grow Trust.

Here's why... if I trust you and you trust me, then when we work together, we spend ALL of our time focusing on what we are working on and getting the best results. NO time is wasted second-guessing motives, 'watching my back,'  defending myself or blaming each other.  

When we trust each other we don't waste valuable time and energy, stubbornly stalling progress and purposefully withholding information, because we are suspect of each others intent or motives.  When trust is high, everything moves faster and is less expensive.

Think about teammates, clients and peers you've trusted over the years... because you trusted these people, you were able to focus on the facts and the situation at hand. No time was spent worrying about the other person's motives or hidden agendas when you had high trust, right?

Now think about someone you don't trust. How well did you work with this person?

Low Trust = Slower Pace + More Expense

Look at the security checks at the airport. This is an unfortunately necessary low-trust situation. It means more time for travelers, and more money and expense for the aviation industry. (The Atlanta airport - my hometown - is the slowest!)

• Do your team members, peers and clients trust you?
• Are they open and vulnerable with you?
• Do they say what they mean - or - are they guarded and cautious?

How Do You Get Better at Growing Trust?

Here are simple, but not easy,  answers to how to grow trust.  These skill areas are not like a college degree that you hang on the wall.  These skills are areas that require continual attention and focus:

1. Grow self-awareness and your understanding of others.
2. Becoming a fantastic, amazing listener. 
3. Look for and highlight others' strengths. 
4. Grow personal accountability by always doing what you say you will do.
5. Learn how to address performance issues effectively. (Complimentary Accountability Skill-Building Resources, here.)

Take the Complimentary Wake Up Eager Habits Quiz